Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced today the appointment of John Bailey & Associates, Inc. as their product and technology public relations agency of record. In this role, the firm will support national and regional media relations initiatives for the Volkswagen brand in the U.S. market.

"It's time to focus media outreach in support of launching new vehicles and technology over the next 18 months," said Steve Keyes, Volkswagen brand communications director. "John Bailey and Associates has a successful track record with competitive domestic and import automotive brands and has a demonstrated ability to translate a brand's business goals and objectives into creative public relations strategies and programs."

"Volkswagen is a legendary brand with an extraordinary line up of new safe, sporty, and efficient vehicles. We look forward to working with Volkswagen to create deep and relevant brand connections within key automotive consumer and trade media segments by leveraging the introduction of new vehicles, and Clean Diesel technologies into this dynamic marketplace," said John Bailey, president and CEO of the agency. "But what is personally thrilling for us is the opportunity to work with an import brand that has become part of the mosaic that is American popular culture."

Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, Eos, and Touareg through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com.

John Bailey & Associates, Inc.

John Bailey & Associates Inc., Public Relations is a Michigan-based public relations agency that supports a diverse mix of local, national and international companies in the automotive, telecommunications, retail, technology, health care and professional service industries. JB&A provides a variety of services including strategic planning, media relations, public affairs; media interview training, crisis communications, reputation management and event planning. For more information, visit www.baileypr.com.